Bush & Company

On January 12, 2009, President George W. Bush held a final press conference and on January 15, gave a farewell address before a small group---cabinet members and Vice President Cheney---televised to the nation from the East room of the White House.

At his news conference, he expressed disagreement with the majority belief that “. . our moral standing has been damaged.” He also defended his decision to send a surge to Iraq of 30,000 troops “. . . as opposed to withdrawing.” This was done in January, 2007. Apparent was his continued rejection of presidential responsibility, despite cogent evidence that his ignorance of the Middle East resulted in a stubborn and unrealistic determination to establish Western-style democracy in the region.

In his farewell address, he emphasized his resolve throughout his tenure both to protect the nation from further terrorist attack and to prevent collapse of the economy. “There are things I would do differently if given the chance, Yet I have always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. . .I was willing to make the tough decisions.” However, his insistence on deregulation aided in creating the 2008 financial meltdown, certain to continue for some time and though receiving an intel report every morning but Sunday, he somehow missed the warnings, some very detailed, that signaled 9/11.

(some parting words from George W. Bush paraphrased)

I made tough choices to ensure
America would be secure.
My conscience always guided me---
(But will historians disagree?)

So much taints that grand old Bush name,
Still President Bush takes little blame.
His attitude has stayed the same--- This presidency is about me.